In the wake of England's 2-0 win over Panama, football expert Paul Merson has pointed out a significant dilemma for manager Thomas Tuchel regarding the midfield setup. Jude Bellingham delivered an outstanding performance in a deeper role, contributing a goal and an assist, which has left Tuchel pondering his options as the team prepares for their next challenge against DR Congo.

Bellingham's ability to operate effectively from a deeper position complicates Tuchel's decision-making, especially with Declan Rice expected to return to the starting lineup. Merson emphasized that while Bellingham shone against Panama, Rice's presence is crucial when facing stronger opponents. He noted, "When we come up against the bigger teams, you'll need Rice." This raises the question of how Tuchel will balance the midfield dynamics with both players vying for similar positions.

Merson also pointed out that Bellingham's deeper role makes it more challenging for opponents to track him, allowing him to make impactful runs. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of fitting all key players into the lineup, particularly with the No. 10 position needing attention after Morgan Rogers struggled in that role against Panama.

As England heads into the knockout stages, Merson believes it is essential for the team to find ways to get the ball to Bellingham and other attacking players effectively. He compared Bellingham's eagerness for involvement to that of legendary player Wayne Rooney, highlighting the need for England to build confidence in distributing the ball to him.

With the knockout phase approaching, Tuchel's task is to ensure that England can capitalize on their strengths while addressing the challenges posed by opponents like DR Congo, who are expected to adopt a defensive strategy.

As the tournament progresses, Merson remains optimistic about England's chances, provided they can improve their performance and adapt to the challenges ahead. He stated, "England will have to get better, but they have a World Cup chance." The upcoming match against DR Congo will be a crucial test for the team as they aim to advance further in the tournament.